be (caught) between a rock and a hard place

Related to word: rock

Idiom

Definition

  1. To be in a predicament where one faces two undesirable options, making any decision exceptionally difficult.

    • Facing both company layoffs and pay cuts, he was truly caught between a rock and a hard place.

    • She had to choose between caring for her sick mother and finishing an important project; she was really caught between a rock and a hard place.

    • They found it difficult to decide between two competing proposals; they were truly caught between a rock and a hard place.